Agricultural Economics
OVERVIEW
If you are interested in investigating markets for agricultural products, international trade in agricultural products, development economics and agricultural finance, specialising in agricultural economics will be beneficial to your career development. You will develop skills in applied economic methods, including analytical and quantitative skills that are essential in addressing some of the pressing issues of our time, such as: Poverty and food security, international trade negotiations and disputes, rising food prices, and the role of financial markets and instruments in agriculture.
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
You will emerge from this course with a solid understanding of international trade policy and agricultural finance and policy; microeconomics, the role of agriculture in development, poverty reduction, international trade, risk and risk management.
MODE OF DELIVERY
This program offers a flexible structure to suit the specialisation undertaken. Classes will mostly be held on the Camperdown campus during weekdays (no evening classes). Study components may include some of the following; a project report, group presentation, practical and field work. lectures, a research project, examinations or literature reviews with considerable use of computer-based optimisation. You will be required to undertake extensive reading with all courses delivered by recognised experts in the field.
PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT
Many units are based on compulsory fieldwork carried out prior to the commencement of semester. All coursework students should be available to participate in fieldwork excursions two weeks prior to the commencement of semester.
THE SYDNEY ADVANTAGE
Studying a Master of Agriculture at the University of Sydney gives you an unique opportunity to study in an intellectually diverse atmosphere with the advantage of interdisciplinary collaboration and contribution from the institution’s many faculties and departments. The course offers small class sizes and personalised supervision in many instances.
COURSE INFORMATION
For more course information and program structure please go to the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Handbook
CAREER PATHWAYS
Graduates can opt for a career as an applied economist and researcher with financial institutions, national and international trade institutions (e.g. Austrade), agricultural companies, government departments or research organisations. There is, at the moment, high demand for qualified agricultural experts in both the public and private sector offering unprecedented highly paid opportunities. Here are just a few examples of where our talented graduates have been placed:
| National Australia Bank | Agribusiness Analyst |
| Australian Bureau of Agricultural Economics | Research Economist |
| HSBC | Clearing Executive |
| Westpac Banking | Graduate, Regional and Agribusiness Banking |
| Blacktown City Council | Enviromental Auditor |
| Reserve Bank of Australia | Graduate Economist |
| Australian Treasury | Graduate Policy Analyst |
| Macquarie Bank | Investment Executive |
| Department Water and Energy | Policy Advisor |
| CBA | Relationship Banker |